Civitavecchia serves as the historic gateway to Rome and has welcomed travelers to Italy’s coast for centuries. Its name means “ancient town,” an appropriate description for a port whose story stretches back long before the Middle Ages. Located about an hour from Rome, Civitavecchia offers its own glimpse into Italy’s rich past, while also providing access to the Eternal City, where ancient ruins, magnificent churches, celebrated art, bustling piazzas, and unforgettable Italian cuisine await.

Set along the beautiful Ligurian coast, La Spezia opens the door to some of northern Italy’s most celebrated destinations. Venture into the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, travel to Pisa to see its famous leaning tower, or continue into Tuscany for the artistic treasures of Florence. Those remaining closer to port can enjoy La Spezia’s waterfront, local markets, and relaxed cafés, perhaps sampling fresh seafood, pesto Genovese, focaccia, and the regional wines for which Liguria is known.

Surrounded by mountains and the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean, Ajaccio combines French sophistication with a distinctly Corsican personality. Best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the city invites you to wander through palm-lined squares, colorful streets, markets, and waterfront cafés. Corsican cuisine adds another dimension to the experience, with local cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, chestnut specialties, and island wines offering a delicious introduction to this unique corner of France.

Palma de Mallorca blends magnificent architecture, historic streets, lively markets, and a wonderfully distinctive island cuisine. Explore Palma’s atmospheric Old Town, visit the soaring La Seu Cathedral, or discover the flavors of Mallorca through local specialties such as sobrasada, coca de trampó, tumbet, fresh seafood, almond pastries, and island wines. This is an especially rewarding port for travelers who enjoy experiencing a destination through its food.

Valencia beautifully blends centuries of history with bold contemporary design. Wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, explore bustling markets filled with local produce, or admire the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. This is also the birthplace of paella, making a visit to Valencia a particularly tempting stop for food lovers. A leisurely lunch featuring traditional Valencian paella is one of the quintessential experiences of the city.

Barcelona is a city that rewards curiosity, with extraordinary architecture, colorful neighborhoods, energetic markets, and a remarkable food culture. Discover the imaginative works of Antoni Gaudí, stroll along Las Ramblas, explore the Gothic Quarter, or browse the stalls of one of the city’s famous markets. Make time for tapas, jamón, fresh seafood, Catalan specialties, and perhaps a glass of cava as you experience one of the Mediterranean’s most vibrant cities.

Valetta’s narrow streets are cool and inviting, and St John’s Co-Cathedral is a catholic masterpiece. In the National War Museum you can see the George Cross awarded for Malta’s role in World War II.

Few arrivals are quite as memorable as sailing toward Kotor, where steep mountains surround the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor. Once ashore, step through the gates of a beautifully preserved medieval town filled with stone lanes, tiny squares, churches, cafés, and centuries-old buildings. Those looking for a challenge can climb above the town for spectacular views, while a more leisurely visit might include a waterfront lunch featuring Adriatic seafood and Montenegrin specialties.

Split is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern Mediterranean life. At its heart stands Diocletian’s Palace, a sprawling Roman complex that has become part of the living city, filled with shops, restaurants, homes, and atmospheric passageways. Wander the waterfront promenade, explore bustling markets, or settle in for a Croatian meal featuring fresh fish, grilled meats, local olive oil, cheeses, and wines from the Dalmatian coast.

Zadar offers a more relaxed side of Croatia, pairing Roman and medieval history with a lively waterfront and innovative modern attractions. Explore the compact Old Town, visit ancient churches and ruins, and listen to the remarkable Sea Organ, which transforms the movement of the Adriatic into music. Local markets, seafood restaurants, Dalmatian wines, and the city’s famous Maraschino cherry liqueur add plenty of flavor to a day of discovery.

Elegant Trieste sits at a cultural crossroads where Italian, Austrian, Slovenian, and Central European influences come together. Grand cafés, neoclassical architecture, handsome waterfront squares, and a long maritime history give the city a character unlike anywhere else in Italy. Trieste is particularly famous for its coffee culture, so this is an ideal place to linger in a historic café before sampling dishes that reflect the city’s wonderfully diverse heritage.

Encircled by ancient stone walls and overlooking the deep blue Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the Mediterranean’s most memorable destinations. Walk through the gates of the Old Town to discover marble streets, Baroque churches, hidden courtyards, inviting cafés, and spectacular views from the city walls. Beyond its extraordinary setting, Dubrovnik offers a wonderful taste of southern Croatian cuisine, particularly fresh seafood, octopus, oysters, local cheeses, olive oil, and Dalmatian wines.

Lush landscapes, Venetian architecture, brilliant blue water, and centuries of cultural influences make Corfu one of Greece’s most distinctive islands. Explore the maze of narrow streets in Corfu Town, visit elegant squares and historic fortresses, or venture into the countryside where olive groves and coastal villages reveal another side of island life. Greek and Corfiot specialties, fresh seafood, local olive oil, cheeses, and a glass of wine make the day even more memorable.

Today the journey itself becomes the destination as Queen Elizabeth sails among the beautiful Greek Islands. Find a favorite spot on deck or beside a window and watch as rugged coastlines, distant villages, brilliant blue water, and sun-washed islands drift into view. There is no need to hurry anywhere today. Simply enjoy the scenery, perhaps over a leisurely lunch, Afternoon Tea, or a glass of wine as the Mediterranean unfolds around you.

Keep your camera nearby as Queen Elizabeth navigates the Strait of Messina, the narrow stretch of water separating Sicily from mainland Italy. Mountains and coastal communities frame both sides of the ship, creating a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the landscape from the open decks. The passage is also steeped in mythology, with the legendary sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis said to have guarded opposite sides of these waters in Homer’s Odyssey.

Naples delivers Italy in full color, with historic streets, lively neighborhoods, dramatic views of Mount Vesuvius, and one of the country’s most celebrated culinary traditions. Venture to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, cruise across the Bay of Naples to glamorous Capri, explore the beautiful surrounding coastline, or discover Naples itself. And, of course, this is the birthplace of pizza, making an authentic Neapolitan pizza an almost essential part of the day.

Queen Elizabeth returns to Civitavecchia this morning, bringing our Mediterranean and Adriatic journey full circle. Whether your travels continue into Rome or it is time to begin the journey home, today offers one last opportunity to reflect on three unforgettable weeks filled with history, culture, extraordinary landscapes, wonderful cuisine, and the timeless elegance of sailing aboard Queen Elizabeth.